Boots
on Deck
November 13, 2002
If you have to be recalled to active duty in the military, being stationed
in San Diego could never be considered a hardship. The temperature is
a balmy seventy-five degrees and sunny. It's a tough job, but somebody
has to do it.
Initially my report date was Friday, November 1, but it was bumped to
Tuesday, November 5. I left home to drive to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
on Monday the 4th. I allowed enough time to arrive at the base, check
in at the BOQ (Bachelor Officer Quarters - I am now considered a "geographic
bachelor"), and then head for the barbershop. Once seated in the
chair I asked the young lady to give me a "high and tight."
This particular hairstyle is descriptive of the haircut as it appears
once completed. The sides of the head are shaved down to the skin, with
the barber running a razor straight up from the neck. The hair on the
top of your head may be left as is allowing you to still have something
to comb. Or it can be clipped into a flattop. Marines like this kind of
haircut.
The folks in my church are used to me finding humor in most everything.
Being around thousands of Marines is grist for the mill! So arriving here
for military duty with a Marine command where testosterone and John Wayne
are a way of life, I was amused to find in the "head" (restroom)
an aerosol can with pastel colors with a top in bright gold. It is a can
of room spray. But what really tickled me and had me giggling to myself
is that the fragrance on the can said Blushing Tulips. This is not what
I was expecting to find. I mean we're talking Marines here! Come on! Maybe
something like "Essence of G.I. Joe," or "Woodland Warriors,"
or my favorite "Whiff of (John) Wayne," but Blushing Tulips?
Please!!!
I am now "boots on deck" with my command, the I MEF (I Marine
Expeditionary Force). This term "boots on deck" simply means
I am physically where I am supposed to be and ready to do my job. Common
footwear for Marines is boots, and deck is a nautical term referring to
the floor or ground. This dates back to the very close relationship the
Navy and Marines have had historically.
In any event, seeing as my last name is what it is, I have modified the
phrase to read, "Roots on deck."
I love you all! And remember: America, bless God.
Until next week. ...
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